Platelet superoxide dismutase in migraine and tension-type headache.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a radical-scavenging enzyme. We determined Cu, Zn-SOD concentrations and activities in platelets from subjects with migraine and tension-type headaches. Thirty migraine without aura (MWoA) patients, 9 migraine with aura (MWA) patients, and 53 tension-type headache patients were selected for study. Thirty healthy volunteers composed the control group. Concentrations of platelet SOD were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. The activity of platelet SOD was determined by measuring reductivity of nitroblue tetrazolium. Low concentrations of platelet SOD were found in patients with MWA and MWoA. Platelet SOD activity decreased in MWA patients but not in patients with MWoA or tension-type headaches. These findings suggest vulnerability to oxidative stress in patients with migraine. It is suggested that low platelet SOD levels may play an important role in the etiology of migraine.